Claiborne's combination of size (5-11, bulked up to 193 pounds), range and closing skills makes him a better fit in Monte Kiffin's Tampa 2 than he was in the former 3-4 system run by Rob Ryan. Claiborne should be smoother in coverage and in position to make more big plays on the ball opposite Brandon Carr.

NEXT: Mark Barron

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Barron gave up his number (24) to Bucs newcomer Darrelle Revis, but that shouldn't bother him too much — especially considering the team brought in former 49er Dashon Goldson to play free safety next to him. As a rookie, Barron delivered solid support (89 tackles) for Tampa Bay's No. 1-ranked run defense. In Year 2, look for him to round into a top hard-hitting playmaker — much like Goldson.

Next: Michael Floyd

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Arizona drafted the former Notre Dame star thinking he would be a terrific complement to its established superstar, Larry Fitzgerald. That didn't come to fruition as Floyd saw little time on the field as a rookie. But like it does for many young receivers, the light has started to come on during Floyd's second offseason. It helps the Cardinals now have a legitimate quarterback, Carson Palmer, who can get the ball to him as the No. 2 or No. 3 option.

Next: David Wilson

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Like Trent Richardson and Doug Martin, Wilson was a first-round pick. But unlike them, he didn't step into a feature role right away. With the departure of Ahmad Bradshaw, however, Wilson now has the chance to carry the load for New York. Even though Wilson had limited touches last season, his great speed and potential to take any play the distance stood out. Now, he just needs to secure the ball and stay out of coach Tom Coughlin's doghouse.

Next: Lamar Miller

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There's a lot of hype around quarterback Ryan Tannehill being the Dolphins' best second-year offensive player, but Miller is closer to breaking out following the departure of Reggie Bush. At one point, Miller looked like a first-round talent—and he can get to that level with a bigger role in 2013.

Next: Ryan Broyles

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Titus Young had his chance to be the man opposite Calvin Johnson and blew it worse than anyone could have possibly imagined. Now Broyles has that opportunity, if he can shake off the knee problems that plagued him in college and cut short his rookie season. He should find himself in position to take advantage of consistent single coverage.

Next: Dwayne Allen

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Coby Fleener is the Colts' second-year tight end with the greater history with Andrew Luck (from their college days at Stanford), but Allen is the greater all-around talent. In addition to being a versatile receiver whom Indianapolis can deploy all over the field for Luck, Allen is a strong blocker.

Next: Whitney Mercilus

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Mercilus will start as the team's weakside edge pass rusher after Houston decided not to bring back Connor Barwin, who signed with the Eagles. Wade Phillips excels at coaching up young players with the ideal skill set for his 3-4, and Mercilus qualifies. He should form quite a duo with the exciting Brooks Reed.

Next: David DeCastro

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DeCastro's rookie season was squashed before it got started, as he suffered multiple ligament injuries to his right knee. He was on his way to big things as a blocker before that, and now he can settle back in at right guard next to ace center Maurkice Pouncey. The Steelers want to re-establish a power, between-the-tackles running game, and a healthy DeCastro will be a big factor toward that objective.

Next: Dont'a Hightower

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Fellow 2012 first-rounder Chandler Jones will probably help more as an edge pass rusher, but Hightower gets the breakout nod for New England because he's exactly the type of player who thrives under Bill Belichick: a versatile linebacker who is just as comfortable working upfield as he is downfield. Look for plenty of impact plays.

Next: Derek Wolfe

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Wolfe, who came in as a tackle and found a home at end, is a key complementary pass rusher to linebacker Von Miller. Wolfe is a high-energy player who will keep working hard. Expect him to build on his six sacks and also become better against the run.

Next: Michael Brockers

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Brockers is Jeff Fisher's kind of defensive lineman — a tackle who performs like an end with his burst inside. He had four sacks in his rookie season and has helped build a formidable front four in St. Louis anchored by ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn. Expect Brockers to be active and disruptive in Year 2.

Next: Mohamed Sanu

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The Bengals are counting on more weapons to deliver for Andy Dalton, so it's not all on No. 1 wide receiver A.J. Green to make the big plays. Sanu is a savvy route runner and fits the role of a possession No. 2 type to a tee. His rookie season was cut short by a stress fracture in his foot. Now fully healthy, he's ready to show his talent.

Next: Rod Streater

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Here's the undrafted sleeper to watch in the bunch. With Darrius Heyward-Bey gone from Oakland, the spotlight is on the young receivers to help the new quarterbacks. Denarius Moore stands out, but Streater has a good big-play skill set of his own and has a good chance to beat out Jacoby Ford and Juron Criner for target frequency behind Moore.

Next: Peter Konz

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The Falcons' offensive line is still trying to find its stride in front of Matt Ryan, and the guy to watch is the one who snaps the ball to Ryan. Konz comes from the strong Wisconsin interior line pedigree and should be a long-time anchor in Atlanta's front five.

With youthful star power as a glaring strength, the NFL has a brighter future than ever. Given how many of its stars have emerged at such at young age, it was a difficult task for SN's to decide on an All-Under 25 Team for 2013.

Selecting a quarterback from a rich class was the most challenging part of the process. Including the mild surprise at that position, here is SN's final roster of 25 players younger than 25.